Poland brace for Senegal test

The president who travelled to Russia with his wife, is also due to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. We know they (Poland) could play with two systems.

Yet opening-game losses in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups consigned Poland to group-stage exits.

Senegal started their World Cup campaign in Russian Federation on a positive note as they picked up a surprising 2-1 victory over Poland in the Group F clash on Tuesday.

Victory in the opening game provided a major boost to Senegal's hopes of reaching the round of 16, and a jubilant Elhadj said he was confident of the side going well past the group stages.

Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski was the man who looked to provide some sort of spark and invention, but even at 2-0 down Poland were far too pedestrian with their passing. Robert Lewandowski was heavily marked, the striker posed little threat to the Senegal goal.

The Polish side were disappointing in all areas and will expect to improve before they face Columbia in their second group game.

The Southampton defender did not see the Senegalese poacher until it was too late and he then poked the ball past Szczesny's late-arriving cavalry and walked the ball into the net.

"We didn't get any good forward balls to do anything with, and instead concentrated on keeping the ball at the back and keeping possession".

"I guarantee the whole of Africa is supporting us".

This is the second time when Senegal have qualified for the World Cup tournament.

As for Senegal, we think this GIF sums it all up quite nicely... As Poland pushed for an equaliser, Khadim Ndiaye dived to his left to parry Lewandowski's free kick, and Piszczek put an open shot into the side net in the 56th.

Adam Nawalka's side set up an exciting finish when Krychowiak somewhat made amends for his error by heading home a Kamil Grosicki free-kick, but Poland could not find a late leveller. Well, I can't really tell if it was because Senegal were playing to instructions and were being more tactical.

Not since 1974 - when Zaire, its only representative, lost all three of its matches, conceded 14 goals and scored none - had Africa been without at least a win or a draw in the first matches.

Victory over Poland could not match the feeling of defeating former colonial power France in Seoul in 2002, but it was "just as important", he added.